tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34476072011-04-21T17:18:01.381-07:00Tom Smith's Cubs BlogThoughts on the Chicago Cubs and other topics in baseball. E-mail Tom at: tomsmithcubs@ hotmail.comThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comBlogger3421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1175789023072617632007-04-05T08:58:00.000-07:002007-04-05T09:04:47.220-07:00WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT CINCINNATI: Very impressive performance by Ted Lilly going 7 innings with only one earned run and three hits. Offensively the Cubs did enough getting four runs in the 4-1 victory.TODD HUNDLEY AWARD: The Todd Hundley Award for bad catching to Michael Barrett. Barrett went 0 for 3 (2 strikeouts) and made an error on catcher's interference.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1175470946939582452007-04-01T16:26:00.000-07:002007-04-01T16:42:26.953-07:002007 PREDICTIONS: The 2007 season starts tonight with the New York Mets at the St. Louis Cardinals. Time for some (bad) predictions:AL EAST: New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Devil RaysAL CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City RoyalsAL WEST: Los Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1161562039327043032006-10-22T17:04:00.000-07:002006-10-22T17:07:19.340-07:002006 WORLD SERIES PREDICTION: Game 1 of the 2006 World Series was last night with the Cardinals winning. I am still going to go ahead and pick Detroit to win the series. World Series: Detroit Tigers over St. Louis Cardinals.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1160524707679707492006-10-10T16:51:00.000-07:002006-10-10T16:58:27.693-07:002006 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: Well I went 0-4 on my LDS predictions. The only prediction that came true was they were going to be bad predictions. Time for some more (inaccurate) predictions. ALCS: Detroit Tigers over Oakland Athletics. NLCS: New York Mets over St. Louis Cardinals. World Series: New York Mets over Detroit Tigers.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1159895428349334332006-10-03T10:06:00.000-07:002006-10-03T10:10:28.363-07:002006 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: The 2006 playoffs begin today, so time for some more (bad) predictions. ALDS: New York Yankees over Detroit Tigers. Minnesota Twins over Oakland Athletics. NLDS: Los Angeles Dodgers over New York Mets. San Diego Padres over St. Louis Cardinals. ALCS: New York Yankees over Minnesota Twins. NLCS: San Diego Padres over Los Angeles Dodgers. World Series: New Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1146787841432190262006-05-04T17:04:00.000-07:002006-05-04T17:10:41.493-07:00WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT ARIZONA: Greg Maddux showed he is not perfect last night giving up five runs and ten hits to the Diamondbacks in a 5-1 Cubs loss. The Cubs offense continues to struggle to score runs as they were only able to score one run on ten hits. To top off this bad performance Jacque Jones got doubled off second on a fly ball to left field for the second time in three games!Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1146528404211338182006-05-01T17:04:00.000-07:002006-05-01T17:06:44.213-07:00DANNY JACKSON AWARD: The Danny Jackson Award for bad starting pitching to Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano pitched four innings on Sunday allowing eight hits (1 home run), five walks, and seven earned runs.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1146528244584117652006-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:002006-05-01T17:04:04.596-07:00SUNDAY'S GAME VS. MILWAUKEE: Another bad game for the Cubs on Sunday as they get thumped again by the Brewers, this time 9-0. Carlos Zambrano continues to be unimpressive. The Cubs offense has not been looking good either. Aramis Ramirez is hitting .197 . Jacque Jones is at .228. The Chicago Tribune is reporting today the Cubs are interested in acquiring Tony Clark from Arizona. Clark is hitting Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1146420582253515832006-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:002006-04-30T11:09:42.333-07:00SATURDAY'S GAME VS. MILWAUKEE: A truly pathetic performance by the Cubs on Saturday as Glendon Rusch gets clobbered again and the Cubs bullpen was awful as well in the Brewers 16-2 thumping of the Cubs. The only good news is Kerry Wood is coming back in a few weeks and will be able to replace Rusch.DANNY JACKSON AWARD: The Danny Jackson Award for bad starting pitching to Glendon Rusch. Rusch wentThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1145142032727280492006-04-15T15:49:00.000-07:002006-04-15T16:00:32.766-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME AT PITTSBURGH: The Cubs beat up a rather bad Pittsburgh club last night 11-6. Todd Walker continues to show the Cubs management were wrong to try to trade him in the off-season, going 4 for 5 last night and is now hitting .480. Matt Murton seems to be coming alive, going 2 for 5 with 3 RBI. Ronny Cedeno has improved the Cubs just by his defense alone, then throw in the fact he is Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1144865049809498862006-04-12T10:48:00.000-07:002006-04-12T11:07:53.966-07:00TUESDAY'S GAME VS. CINCINNATI: After a weekend sweep of the Cardinals, the Cubs played down the competition on Tuesday getting thumped 9-2 by the Reds. The Cubs gave up six home runs and hit only one with the wind blowing out. A truly awful game. The Cubs bad play and Kasper the Boring Ghost's dull announcing helped me take a brief snooze during the game. Unfortunately, I saw all the bad Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1144254466813611542006-04-05T09:15:00.000-07:002006-04-05T09:27:46.866-07:00MONDAY'S GAME AT CINCINNATI: Great way to start the season with a 16-7 over the Reds. Matt Murton impressed with a home run, two singles, and a great catch in left field. Carlos Zambrano gave one of his occasional mediocre performances and had to leave in the 5th inning. Todd Walker had a good game, going 3 for 4. Maybe Cubs management will figure out trading Walker is a bad idea.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1144021986985888372006-04-02T16:39:00.000-07:002006-04-02T16:53:06.996-07:002006 PREDICTIONS: The 2006 season starts tonight with the Cleveland Indians at the Chicago White Sox. Time for some more (inaccurate) predictions.AL EAST: New York Yankees, Boston (WC), Toronto, Baltimore, Tampa BayAL CENTRAL: Chicago White Sox, Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas CityAL WEST: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland, Seattle, TexasNL EAST: Atlanta, New York Mets (WC), Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1136916533131312042006-01-10T10:03:00.000-08:002006-01-10T10:08:53.143-08:002006 HALL OF FAME VOTING: The Hall of Fame voting is announced today. Here is my ballot: Bruce Sutter, Bert Blyleven, Rich "Goose" Gossage, Lee Smith.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1132243768684207942005-11-17T06:33:00.000-08:002005-11-17T08:09:28.760-08:00FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS SIGN RAFAEL FURCAL: Cubs GM Jim Hendry has made it little secret he covets free-agent Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal. Furcal's agent Tom Kinzer reportedly wants a five year, $50 million contract for Furcal stating, "There's only one Rafael Furcal available."Actually it is not real hard to find someone who can hit .284, 12 home runs, 58 RBI, has .777 OPS, with 78 Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1130025399248964392005-10-22T16:53:00.000-07:002005-10-22T16:56:39.253-07:002005 WORLD SERIES: Well I got both the ALCS and the NLCS correct. For the World Series I am sticking with my prediction from before the LCS of the White Sox winning. World Series: Chicago White Sox over Houston Astros.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1129073519477876622005-10-11T16:27:00.000-07:002005-10-11T16:31:59.483-07:002005 PLAYOFFS: So much for my American League playoff predictions, getting both series wrong. I got both National League series correct, but picking St. Louis over San Diego was not exactly difficult. Anyway time for some more picks. ALCS: Chicago White Sox over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NLCS: Houston Astros over St. Louis Cardinals. World Series: Chicago White Sox over Houston Astros.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1128446887752194672005-10-04T10:17:00.000-07:002005-10-04T10:28:07.760-07:002005 PLAYOFFS: The 2005 playoffs begin today so it is time for some more predictions. ALDS: Boston Red Sox over Chicago White Sox; New York Yankees over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ALCS: New York Yankees over Boston Red Sox. NLDS: St. Louis Cardinals over San Diego Padres; Houston Astros over Atlanta Braves. NLCS: Houston Astros over St. Louis Cardinals. World Series: New York Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1122754404498580582005-07-30T12:57:00.000-07:002005-07-30T13:13:24.506-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME VS. ARIZONA: Not a bad performance by the Cubs yesterday as they came back to score two in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Diamondbacks by the score of 4-3. Mark Prior looked good until the eighth inning when he ran out of gas and gave up the lead. Matt Murton continues to impress with a triple and a good bunt to advance the runner in the ninth.CARLOS LEZCANO AWARD: The Carlos Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1122664413043381022005-07-29T11:19:00.000-07:002005-07-29T12:13:33.100-07:00MARIOTTI ON WHINEY DUSTY: Jay Mariotti has a very good column today on the whiney Dusty Baker. Mariotti is right on in telling Baker to just leave if he cannot take Cubs fans booing an opposing player. Cubs fans boo because they care. What does Dusty care about, LaTroy Hawkins feelings.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1122661058828595422005-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:002005-07-29T11:18:32.906-07:00BOO HAWKINS AND COMPLAINING CUBS: Cubs fans booed ex-Cub LaTroy Hawkins three straight games against the Giants this past week. On Tuesday night fans chanted "Hawkins Sucks!". This has generated much wailing in the sports media andamong some Cubs players and manager Dusty Baker. Oh please. Hawkins deserved every second of it. Hawkins a high priced free agent signee who constantly blew games for Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1122659105441511702005-07-29T10:29:00.000-07:002005-07-29T11:18:15.450-07:002005 CUBS SO FAR: Despite being only 3 games out of the wild card race, the Cubs are only 52-50. They are a mediocre team who do not have a centerfielder or a leadoff hitter. Dusty Baker insists on playing Todd Hollandsworth instead of Matt Murton more for some reason. Even if the Cubs can improve in those spots they will not be good enough to beat out the other teams battling for the National Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1122658168682537412005-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:002005-07-29T11:17:54.823-07:00SORRY: Sorry to have been away for much of the season.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1115408448373522342005-05-06T11:53:00.000-07:002005-05-06T12:40:48.490-07:00SERIES AT HOUSTON AND MILWAUKEE: So we have lost five straight. Chris Speier has turned into Wendell Kim. Our bullpen is atrocious. Dusty Baker insists of playing Todd Hollandsworth over Jason Dubois in left field everyday for the alleged reason that Hollandsworth is a better fielder. Yes, Hollandsworth is a real gold glover as was Moises Alou the last few years. Hollandsworth is good role playerThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1114473861235133052005-04-25T16:49:00.000-07:002005-04-25T17:04:21.236-07:00SUNDAY'S GAME VS. PITTSBURGH: Thank goodness we did not see LaTroy Hawkins on Sunday. Without him we were able to hang onto a 5-2 lead to win. Kerry Wood continues to be a worry but hopefully he is going to be ok.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1114365662121189962005-04-24T10:44:00.000-07:002005-04-26T15:22:22.776-07:00SATURDAY'S GAME VS. PITTSBURGH: The weather at Wrigley yesterday would have been great for a Bears game, alas the Cubs were playing instead. Baseball in the snow. Yikes. Double yikes to seeing LaTroy Hawkins come into the game. Anyway, Greg Maddux pitched pretty good except for the seventh when he gave up two runs. The Cubs bats were a little frozen, like the weather, but did manage three runs toThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1114190478793481202005-04-22T09:42:00.000-07:002005-04-22T10:21:18.796-07:00THURSDAY'S GAME AT ST. LOUIS: A rather unimpressive performance by the Cubs yesterday. Ryan Dempster was the one highlight going six innings giving up just four hits, three walks, and one run. The Cubs had their chances against Chris Carpenter but did not take advantage of them. Dusty Baker continues his bizarre managerial style by putting Derrek Lee in the sixth spot and bringing in Mike Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1114102682724056252005-04-21T09:48:00.000-07:002005-04-21T09:58:02.726-07:00WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT ST. LOUIS: It was the best of times (beating St. Louis at Busch Stadium, hearing Steve Stone do a Cubs game on ESPN) and the worst of times (Nomar Garciaparra going down with a serious groin injury). Carlos Zambrano was very impressive in shutting down the Cardinals. LaTroy Hawkins once again showed he should not be closing games as he allowed a 400 foot blast to center which Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1114039503553396492005-04-20T16:22:00.000-07:002005-04-20T16:25:03.553-07:00RUDY MEOLI AWARD: The Rudy Meoli Award for poor performance by a Cubs infielder to Nomar Garciaparra. Garciaparra went 0 for 5 (1 strikeout) and made a throwing error which allowed the Reds to score their one run of the game.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1114039316579545502005-04-20T15:58:00.000-07:002005-04-20T16:22:32.433-07:00TUESDAY'S GAME AT CINCINNATI: That was more like it. Corey Patterson going 2 for 5 with a home run and playing spectacular defense. Derrek Lee staying hot by going 2 for 4 with a home run. Michael Barrett looking like he is coming out of his early season slump by also going 2 for 4 with a home run. Mark Prior pitched good again going 7 innings allowing just 4 hits and one unearned run. All of Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1113952687335702612005-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:002005-04-19T16:18:07.336-07:00MONDAY'S GAME AT CINCINNATI: A game we led 4-0 and 5-1 which we blow and let the Reds win 7-6. Kerry Wood once again showed he is not an elite pitcher by letting the Reds get back into the game. Jon Leicester was not impressive in the eighth inning either. What really annoyed me was the poor pitch selection the Cubs showed at times. In the first inning after the Cubs had hit three home runs off Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1113321708085343342005-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:002005-04-12T09:01:48.086-07:00MONDAY'S GAME VS. SAN DIEGO: Not much of a game yesterday as the Cubs lose 1-0 to the Padres. The one good sign was Ryan Dempster bounced back from a crummy performance vs. Arizona to pitch 6 innings, give up four hits, strike out seven, and with the one run allowed being unearned.CARLOS LEZCANO AWARD: The Carlos Lezcano Award for poor performance by a Cubs outfielder to Jeromy Burnitz. Burnitz Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1113238042775414782005-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:002005-04-11T09:47:22.776-07:00SUNDAY'S GAME VS. MILWAUKEE: After the Cubs fell behind early during another unimpressive outing by Greg Maddux it looked like the Cubs might be going down to another series defeat but they came back to tie the game 5-5. I did not have a good feeling about this game when Corey missed a sign to run in the sixth which likely cost us a run. I was starting to think we were going to blow it when they Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1112974974123269222005-04-08T08:39:00.000-07:002005-04-08T08:42:54.123-07:00DANNY JACKSON AWARD: The Danny Jackson Award for bad starting pitching by a Cubs starter to Ryan Dempster. Dempster pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up 7 earned runs, 9 hits, and 3 walks.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1112974007990398062005-04-08T08:26:00.000-07:002005-04-08T08:39:42.676-07:00WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT ARIZONA: I am not convinced Ryan Dempster is the answer as the number five starter for the Cubs and Wednesday's game did nothing to change my mind. About the only positive one could come away with was atleast the Arizona hits off of Dempster were not a lot of extra base hits just a lot of balls hit were they ain't.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1112833046846477752005-04-06T17:17:00.000-07:002005-04-11T09:52:58.933-07:00TUESDAY'S GAME AT ARIZONA: A tough 5-4 loss last night as it looked like the Cubs were going to tie it up in the top of the ninth with two outs and Derrek Lee on second, pinch-hitter Neifi Perez hit a ball up the middle that looked like it was going through but Royce Clayton for the Diamondbacks got to the ball, scooped it up and threw out Perez.Greg Maddux did not pitch horribly, except when Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1112745842769466732005-04-05T16:39:00.000-07:002005-04-06T17:05:51.683-07:00MONDAY'S GAME AT ARIZONA: I can take 161 more Cubs games like Monday's 16-6 pounding of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Corey Patterson went 3 for 5, Todd Walker 3 for 4, Garciaparra 2 for 5, Aramis Ramirez 3 for 4 (1 HR), Derrek Lee 4 for 6 (1 HR), even reliever Cliff Bartosh got a base hit. Hopefully our bats are that good and it was not just Javier Vasquez and the rest of the Diamondbacks pitchers Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1112572587326992782005-04-03T16:50:00.000-07:002005-04-03T16:56:27.326-07:002005 PREDICTIONS: The 2005 season begins tonight with the Boston Red Sox at the New York Yankees. Time for some more (highly inaccurate) predictions.AL EAST: New York Yankees, Boston (WC), Baltimore, Toronto, Tampa BayAL CENTRAL: Minnesota, Cleveland, Chicago White Sox, Detroit, Kansas CityAL WEST: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland, Texas, SeattleNL EAST: Atlanta, Florida, New York Mets, Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1104864898640712152005-01-04T10:48:00.000-08:002005-01-04T10:54:58.640-08:00HALL OF FAME VOTING: The Hall of Fame voting will be announced today. Here are my votes: Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Bruce Sutter, Lee Smith, and Rich "Goose" Gossage.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1100942645905463022004-11-20T01:24:00.000-08:002004-11-21T09:37:43.096-08:00WHEN WAYNE ENDORSES SOMEONE IT CANNOT BE GOOD: SCOTTSDALE -- As if I needed another reason to dislike the hiring of Len Kasper as the Cubs television voice, being endorsed by Wayne Larrivee clinches it. Ed Sherman in the Chicago Tribune reports, Wayne Larrivee likes Len Kasper's broadcasting style. Never having cared much for Larrivee's work on Cubs games does not fill me with confidence in Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1100936249836011962004-11-19T23:37:00.000-08:002004-11-21T09:19:03.096-08:00CUBS HIRE KASPER AS TV BROADCASTER: SCOTTSDALE -- I do not mean to be a sourpuss on the hiring of the new Cubs announcers but reading the Cubs have hired Len Kasper to be the Cubs television broadcaster does not thrill me.
Having endured listening to Kasper on Marlins games a couple of times the last few years has made me wonder how someone so dull got the job. Kasper broadcasts baseball as if heThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1100268197337700922004-11-12T06:31:00.000-08:002004-11-12T18:42:30.840-08:00O'BRIEN POSSIBLE NEW TV VOICE: SCOTTSDALE -- According to today's Chicago Tribune, Dave O'Brien of ESPN is the leading contender for the Cubs television broadcasting job. I am not enthused about reading this news. Cubs fans are use to personalities in the booth who make you want to watch the game and listen to the broadcast. Do not expect that to continue with O'Brien. O'Brien's broadcasting Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1100144382694590202004-11-10T17:27:00.000-08:002004-11-10T19:39:42.693-08:00BRENLY NEW ANALYST: SCOTTSDALE -- I have nothing against Bob Brenly being hired as the Cubs television analyst. Brenly has been a good analyst on Fox and I am sure he will do a good job on Cubs games. What is annoying is apparently Tribune Company (full disclosure: I am a Tribune Company stockholder) will pay Brenly considerably more than they did to Steve Stone. Bluntly, this is no way to run a Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1099859047733307902004-11-07T13:23:00.000-08:002004-11-12T06:27:58.803-08:00THE STANKY-BACKMAN CONNECTION: SCOTTSDALE -- As you know by now on Monday the Arizona Diamondbacks hired Wally Backman to be their new manager. On Friday the Diamondbacks fired him after negative information about his past came out. Backman's reign in Arizona actually lasted longer than Eddie Stanky did managing the Texas Rangers. On June 22, 1977 Eddie Stanky was named the new manager of the Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1099081690651559252004-10-29T13:23:00.000-07:002004-10-29T13:28:10.650-07:00END OF THE STONE AGE: F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, "There are no second acts in American lives." Fitzgerald's logic has not held up over time. Steve Stone being a good example. In 2003 Steve Stone came back for his second act as the Cubs television analyst after being away for two years. Chip Caray and Stone picked up where they left off with Stone correctly predicting what would happen. All Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1098575330362811952004-10-23T16:25:00.000-07:002004-10-23T16:48:50.363-07:002004 WORLD SERIES PREDICTION: Back when the playoffs began I predicted a St. Louis Cardinals vs. Boston Red Sox matchup in the World Series and here it is. I thought my Red Sox pick was going to be another bad prediction when they fell behind 3 games to zero against the New York Yankees. Somehow they overcame the curse of the Bambino and the curse of me picking them to win the ALCS. St. Louis Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1097779310510338892004-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:002004-10-14T11:41:50.510-07:00STONE AGE LIKELY TO CONTINUE: SCOTTSDALE -- According to today's Chicago Tribune, Steve Stone is going to remain the Cubs color analyst on television. It would not have been a smart move to dump the most popular member of the organization after he told the truth about the whiny, choking 2004 Cubs. Steve Stone telling the truth about this bunch of complainers was not the problem this past season; Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1097601736806229132004-10-12T10:09:00.000-07:002004-10-12T10:41:14.823-07:00CUBS WAIVE WAVING WENDELL AT WAVELAND: The Chicago Cubs have decided to not bring back third base coach Wendell Kim. For two years Cubs fans have had to endure Wendell's terrible decisions to send runners home when everyone but Wendell could tell they would get thrown out at home plate. This was a move that had to be made.
2004 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: I did ok with my LDS predictions getting three Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1096995368611746902004-10-05T09:51:00.000-07:002004-10-05T09:56:08.610-07:002004 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: The 2004 playoffs begin today. That means it is time for some more (likely inaccurate) predictions.
ALDS: New York Yankees over Minnesota Twins; Boston Red Sox over Anaheim Angels
ALCS: Boston Red Sox over New York Yankees
NLDS: St. Louis Cardinals over Los Angeles Dodgers; Atlanta Braves over Houston Astros
NLCS: St. Louis Cardinals over Atlanta Braves
WORLD SERIES: StThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1096911398220045832004-10-04T10:07:00.000-07:002004-10-04T13:10:15.626-07:00CUBS FOLD IN '04: So the regular season has ended and the Cubs folded down the stretch. Blowing the wild card lead and allowed the Houston Astros to get into the playoffs. I am disappointed in the Cubs team for blowing it but more than anything I am mad at the team for their behavior this season by making us put up with all of their garbage whining about Chip Caray and Steve Stone being "too Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1093305890054678032004-08-23T16:59:00.000-07:002004-08-23T17:04:50.053-07:00SUNDAY'S GAME AT HOUSTON: SCOTTSDALE -- A good game on Sunday as the Cubs pounded the Astros 11-6. I was glad to see Roy Oswalt get ejected after plunking Michael Barrett after Aramis Ramirez's home run. Kerry Wood was not throwing at the Astros but probably had to be ejected after hitting two Astros after Barrett got plunked. Kyle Farnsworth continues to be a disaster every time he comes in. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1093197840207991142004-08-22T11:00:00.000-07:002004-08-22T11:04:00.206-07:00MEL ROJAS AWARD: SCOTTSDALE -- The Mel Rojas Award for poor performance by a Cubs relief pitcher to LaTroy Hawkins. Hawkins pitched 1/3 of an inning, gave up three hits, two runs, one earned run, and had one intentional walk. Hawkins blew his fifth save attempt and got his fourth loss of the season.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1093197637391735722004-08-22T10:57:00.000-07:002004-08-22T11:00:37.390-07:00CARLOS LEZCANO AWARD: SCOTTSDALE -- The Carlos Lezcano Award for bad play by a Cubs outfielder to Sammy Sosa. Sosa continued his poor play last night as Sosa went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1093197451758143682004-08-22T10:32:00.000-07:002004-08-22T10:57:31.756-07:00SATURDAY'S GAME AT HOUSTON: SCOTTSDALE -- A frustrating loss by Cubs last night. Losing 2-0 after seven innings, the Cubs scored a run in the eighth. Then the Cubs scored 2 in the top of the ninth to take a 3-2 lead but LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Macias gave the game away in the bottom of the ninth to cost us the game. Hawkins gave up three hits and Macias threw the ball away on a bunt. For some oddThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1092504794670201482004-08-14T10:30:00.000-07:002004-08-14T10:33:14.670-07:00MEL ROJAS AWARD 2: SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- The Mel Rojas Award for bad relief pitching by a Cubs relief pitcher to Kyle Farnsworth. Farnsworth also pitched zero innings, giving up 3 hits, 3 runs (1 earned).
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1092504641474856072004-08-14T10:27:00.000-07:002004-08-14T10:30:41.473-07:00MEL ROJAS AWARD 1: SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- The Mel Rojas Award for bad relief pitching to Glendon Rusch. Rusch pitched zero innings, giving up 1 hit, 1 walk, 2 earned runs, with 3 runs giving up overall.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1092504439565530442004-08-14T10:08:00.000-07:002004-08-14T10:27:19.566-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME VS. LOS ANGELES: SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- What looked like a pitchers duel turned into another blowup by the Cubs bullpen in the ninth. Going into the top of the ninth Los Angeles led 2-1. Glendon Rusch came on to pitch for the Cubs. Rusch who pitched 4 innings on Tuesday did not have it, nor did Kyle Farnsworth. Farnsworth who had pitched well earlier this season, has been awful of late. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1092424196010631082004-08-13T12:08:00.000-07:002004-08-13T12:09:56.010-07:00CHARLIE WILLIAMS AWARD: SCOTTSDALE -- The Charlie Williams Award for bad umpiring to Bruce Froemming. In the top of the sixth, Froemming missed Nomar Garciaparra touching second base with the ball in his glove, and called Terrence Long safe at second base when he was out.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1092424075538542682004-08-13T12:03:00.000-07:002004-08-13T12:07:55.536-07:00CARLOS LEZCANO AWARD: SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- The Carlos Lezcano Award for poor play by a Cubs outfielder to Sammy Sosa. Sosa went 0 for 5 with 4 strikeouts. Sosa continues to slump and must be dropped in the order regardless of whether his feelings will be hurt.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1092423797090654622004-08-13T11:49:00.000-07:002004-08-13T12:03:17.090-07:00THURSDAY'S GAME VS. SAN DIEGO: SCOTTSDALE -- Well that was a tough loss to take yesterday. The Cubs lost a game I figured they were going to win. The Cubs looked to be in good shape leading 2-0 after 5 innings. The umpires did their best to hurt the Cubs in the top of the sixth as Bruce Froemming blew a call at second base when Nomar Garciaparra had touched second with the ball but Froemming Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1091383103661770062004-08-01T10:16:00.000-07:002004-08-01T10:58:23.660-07:00NOMAR TRADE: Hello police? I would like to report a theft by the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs trade for shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, minor league outfielder Matt Murton, and cash for shortstop Alex Gonzalez, minor leaguers Brendan Harris, Francis Beltran, and Justin Jones is a great deal for the Cubs. The Cubs upgraded substantially at shortstop and gave up no one of value on the major league roster. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1090004469443141412004-07-16T11:52:00.000-07:002004-07-16T12:01:09.443-07:00SORRY: Sorry I have been away for awhile.
THURSDAY'S GAME VS. MILWAUKEE: Just when it looked like we had the rotation finally in order with Kerry Wood coming back, down goes Mark Prior, again. Prior left after just 1 2/3 innings and it does not sound good. Glendon Rusch came in and pitched great for 5 1/3 innings by not allowing a run. Our offense has been about as cold as Chicago in theThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1087426483364959782004-06-16T15:48:00.000-07:002004-06-16T15:54:43.363-07:00TUESDAY'S GAME AT HOUSTON: Great comeback win by the Cubs last night as the Cubs trailed 2-1 in the top of the ninth but were able to score 3 runs in the top of the ninth to take a 4-2 lead which they held onto in the bottom of the ninth. Carlos Zambrano was in a few jams but was usually able to get out of them. The talk is Todd Walker will be back on the bench when Mark Grudzielanek comes Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1086455093340806162004-06-05T09:54:00.000-07:002004-06-05T10:04:53.340-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME VS. PITTSBURGH: Mark Prior came back on Friday and looked as good as ever. Pitching six innings, striking out eight, no runs, and gave up only two hits. The offense continued to be mediocre, scoring one run. Joe Borowski was once again ineffective, giving up the tying run then got yanked and was responsible for the go-ahead run to cost us the game. The Cubs have to give LaTroy Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1086376452664934722004-06-04T12:09:00.000-07:002004-06-04T12:14:12.663-07:00SORRY: Sorry I have been away for a few weeks
PRIOR RETURNS TODAY: Mark Prior returns today after being out all season. The Cubs have held up ok with Prior, Wood, Sosa, etc. out for awhile now. Overall I am not real worried because we will be getting the others back as well. I am not worried about Cincinnati over the long haul. Houston and St. Louis are the teams we have to concern Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1084733321102221812004-05-16T11:32:00.000-07:002004-05-16T11:52:30.126-07:00SATURDAY'S GAME AT SAN DIEGO: Good performance last night as Moises Alou, Sammy Sosa, and Aramis Ramirez hit home runs in the Cubs 7-5 victory over the Padres.
BAD FACT CHECKING REPORT: In today's Chicago Tribune, Paul Sullivan reports on the Cubs shortstop situation,
They drafted Willie Montanez with the No. 3 pick of the 2000 draft, but Montanez never developed into a proficient fielder Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1084666928223979822004-05-15T17:10:00.000-07:002004-05-15T17:22:08.223-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME AT SAN DIEGO: The good Greg Maddux showed up last night for the Cubs. Maddux pitched like he is expected to last night in pitching eight innings and giving up one run. What is going on with Jose Macias? Three days ago I was wondering why the Cubs were keeping him around, but he has played well the last two games (last night getting two triples). Joe Borowski came into the game Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1084472388159234482004-05-13T10:56:00.000-07:002004-05-13T11:22:35.330-07:00WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT LOS ANGELES: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The box score may not show it but Matt Clement pitched a good game last night. Clement and the Cubs were victims of the a bunch of Dodger infield hits in the third which resulted in two runs. In the seventh inning Clement gave up a two-run home run to Alex Cora after he fouled off a million pitches or so to give Los Angeles a 4-0 lead whichThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1084394070737329272004-05-12T13:18:00.000-07:002004-05-12T13:34:30.736-07:00TUESDAY'S GAME AT LOS ANGELES: Just when we are getting good news on Mark Prior being able to come back we have to deal with Kerry Wood leaving the game after two innings with stiffness in his arm. Crummy performance by the Cubs last night in the 7-3 loss to the Dodgers. The Cubs made Jeff Weaver look like Don Sutton last night by getting two runs on six hits, and one walk, with seven Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1084326506138533582004-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:002004-05-11T18:48:50.603-07:00SORRY: Sorry I have not updated in over a week
SUNDAY'S GAME VS. COLORADO: The Cubs were down 1-0, 3-2, and 4-3 to the Rockies on Sunday but were able to come back tie the game and eventually win 5-4 in 13 innings. They looked good in being able to keep coming back, especially with Aramis Ramirez hitting a home run in the bottom of the tenth with two outs to tie the game 4-4. In the bottom Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1083451727078234542004-05-01T15:48:00.000-07:002004-05-01T15:51:55.246-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME AT ST. LOUIS: Cubs waste a good performance by Kerry Wood as the relief corps walk in the losing run to lose 4-3. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1083193239345577872004-04-28T16:00:00.000-07:002004-04-28T16:21:49.920-07:00MONDAY AND TUESDAY'S GAMES AT ARIZONA: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Nothing bores me more than watching the Cubs play listless baseball. The Cubs have been so bad and boring the last two games they make a Jay Mariotti column look halfway interesting. Pathetic performance by the Cubs as they lose 9-0 and 10-1 to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Nothing more to say other than the Cubs look like a completely Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1082998667620587182004-04-26T09:57:00.000-07:002004-04-26T10:00:50.216-07:00SUNDAY'S GAME VS. NEW YORK METS: Great performance yesterday by Matt Clement. Clement had a no-hitter through 6 1/3 innings even with the wind blowing out. Clement pitched eight innings, giving up two hits and one earned run. Offense looking good. Borowski looked like the 2003 Borowski yesterday. All good news for Cubs fans.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1082831449345301432004-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:002004-04-24T11:33:50.390-07:00SORRY: Sorry I have not updated in a week.
FRIDAY'S GAME VS. NEW YORK METS: Greg Maddux looked back in the groove yesterday. Maddux pitched seven innings and giving up one earned run on a home run by Mike Cameron. The offense which has been hot got just four hits yesterday but was able to score three runs in the Cubs 3-1 win over the Mets. Joe Borowski got the save in the ninth but he stillThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1082224822587557542004-04-17T11:00:00.000-07:002004-04-17T11:08:35.123-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME VS. CINCINNATI: Yesterday was simply a fun game to watch. To come back from being down 9-4 to win 11-10 with Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou hitting back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the ninth to win after trailing 10-9 going into the bottom of the ninth was great.
MEL ROJAS AWARD: The Mel Rojas Award for poor performance by a Cubs relief pitcher to Michael Wuertz. Wuertz cameThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1082131898240581722004-04-16T09:11:00.000-07:002004-04-16T09:14:31.450-07:00THURSDAY'S GAME VS. PITTSBURGH: With the help of the wind blowing out the Cubs were able to pound the Pirates Thursday 10-5. Michael Barrett is looking good right now. Barrett hit two home runs yesterday. Aramis Ramirez and Moises Alou also homered. Carlos Zambrano seemed to lose his cool on a few occasions but was able to pitch six innings while giving up 1 earned run on six hits and 1 walkThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081944676438866952004-04-14T05:11:00.000-07:002004-04-14T19:53:09.700-07:00MONDAY'S GAME VS. PITTSBURGH: Awful performance by Greg Maddux and the Cubs as they get pounded 13-2.
MEL ROJAS AWARD 1: The Mel Rojas Award for poor performance by a Cubs relief pitcher to Andy Pratt. Pratt threw nine pitches, all balls. Pratt pitched 0 innings, giving up 2 walks and 2 earned runs.
MEL ROJAS AWARD 2: The Mel Rojas Award for poor performance by a Cubs relief pitcher to Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081788217230873642004-04-12T09:43:00.000-07:002004-04-12T09:46:26.123-07:00SUNDAY'S GAME AT ATLANTA: Well that was more like it. The offense finally woke up to score ten runs yesterday in the Cubs 10-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Kerry Wood looked good striking out eleven Braves over seven innings despite bleeding from his pitching hand. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081695799344992162004-04-11T08:03:00.000-07:002004-04-11T09:48:14.903-07:00SATURDAY'S GAME AT ATLANTA: Where is the Cubs allegedly powerful offense? The offense continued to be missing last night in Atlanta as the Cubs lost 5-2 while getting only four hits. The bottom three spots in the Cubs line-up are of real concern. Alex Gonzalez, Michael Barrett/Paul Bako, and the pitcher's spot does not inspire much confidence. The good news from last night was Sergio Mitre.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081639619759064012004-04-10T16:26:00.000-07:002004-04-11T09:58:06.496-07:00FRIDAY'S GAME AT ATLANTA: I am of split mind on last night's 2-1 over Atlanta in 15 innings. The good news is the Cubs were able to come back from losing 1-0, with 2 out in the top of the ninth and John Smoltz on the mound for the Braves to tie the game on a solo home run by Todd Hollandsworth. Then take the lead 2-1 in the top of the 15th. The Cubs had numerous chances against ex-Cubs Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081434210927946802004-04-08T07:23:00.000-07:002004-04-08T07:26:15.843-07:00WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT CINCINNATI: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- You cannot win them all but the Cubs never seemed to be in last night's game. Greg Maddux made his first regular season start in his return to the Cubs, and the results were mixed. Maddux pitched six innings, giving up only four hits, with two walks, and two hit batters (both in the first inning). Unfortunately two of those hits were home Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081262181281482642004-04-06T07:36:00.000-07:002004-04-06T07:39:04.013-07:00MONDAY'S GAME AT CINCINNATI: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Cubs offense looks like it is going to be able to put up some runs as expected. Corey Patterson is obviously ok after having knee surgery last season. After having a great spring training, Kerry Wood in Monday's game looked like the Wood we have seen too much of. Wood dominates at times, then struggles at others, winds up having a high Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1081167390151929192004-04-05T05:16:00.000-07:002004-04-05T05:27:20.310-07:002004 PREDICTIONS: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- I know the season has already begun with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays splitting a two-game series in Tokyo, Japan last week and Baltimore beating Boston last night, but I wanted to wait until the exhibition season was over until I made my 2004 predictions. These are usually mediocre, but here they come.
AL EAST: NEW YORK YANKEES, BOSTON Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1080051926261021862004-03-23T06:25:00.000-08:002004-03-23T06:27:55.106-08:00MONDAY'S GAME VS. OAKLAND AT MESA: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It would be tough to beat what the 12,712 spectators saw Monday evening in Mesa, Arizona in the Cubs 1-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics. With perfect weather conditions they got to watch the Cubs' Greg Maddux and the Athletics' Mark Mulder pitch almost perfect baseball. Mulder pitched four shutout innings, giving up two hits, one walkThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1080002702006299282004-03-22T16:45:00.000-08:002004-03-22T16:50:01.623-08:00SUNDAY'S GAME VS. SAN DIEGO AT MESA: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Another lousy performance by Juan Cruz on Sunday has me doubting we can rely on him if Mark Prior is going to be out for any length of time. Offense looked ok in scoring seven runs. Derrek Lee had three hits. Cubs win 7-6.
DON BAYLOR AWARD: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Don Baylor Award for bad managing involving bunting to Dusty Baker.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1079878895386220642004-03-21T06:21:00.000-08:002004-03-21T06:28:31.280-08:00SORRY: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Sorry I have not updated since the start of Spring Training.
SATURDAY'S GAME VS. OAKLAND AT PHOENIX: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- I went to the Cubs-Athletics game on Saturday. Cubs were ahead 5-1 and 7-5 during the game but lost 9-8. Mark Grudzielanek, Moises Alou, and Derrek Lee were the only big names in the line-up. Matt Clement struggled badly in the fourth inningThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1078076554943218152004-02-29T09:42:00.000-08:002004-02-29T09:44:40.700-08:00WOOD AND LEE SIGN NEW CONTRACTS: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Chicago Cubs have reached agreements with pitcher Kerry Wood and first baseman Derrek Lee on new contracts.
Kerry Wood signed a three-year contract with the Cubs on Friday. Wood gets $7 million in 2004, $8.5 million in 2005, and $11 million in 2006, with a $13.5 million option for 2007. Wood also gets a $3 million signing bonus Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1077224940857520612004-02-19T13:09:00.000-08:002004-02-19T13:15:10.390-08:00HE'S BAAAAAACK: Greg Maddux returns to the Chicago Cubs by signing a two-year contract with an option for 2006 if Maddux throws 400 innings over the 2004 and 2005 seasons. The best news we have had in a long time. I wrote back on December 20, 2003, I hoped we got Maddux back and we did.
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1077082722104600672004-02-17T21:38:00.000-08:002004-02-17T21:45:33.093-08:00AP REPORTS MADDUX SIGNING WITH CUBS: The Associated Press is reporting tonight Greg Maddux has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1077070097150877652004-02-17T18:08:00.000-08:002004-02-17T18:10:11.780-08:00ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION REPORTS MADDUX SIGNING WITH CUBS: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting tonight Greg Maddux will return to the Chicago Cubs and be in Mesa, Arizona tomorrow. Great news!Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1076877975913874282004-02-15T12:46:00.000-08:002004-02-15T12:49:32.233-08:00CUBS RAISE OFFER TO MADDUX; GIANTS REPORTED OUT: The Chicago Sun-Times reports today the Chicago Cubs have raised the team's offer to Greg Maddux to between $14-$15 million over two years.
Meanwhile, the Contra Costa Times reports the San Francisco Giants are out of the running for Greg Maddux.
It looks like Greg Maddux is coming back to the Cubs. Great news!
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1076780869543895482004-02-14T09:47:00.000-08:002004-02-14T09:49:40.250-08:00MADDUX REJECTS GIANTS' OFFER: The Contra Costa Times is reporting today, Greg Maddux rejected the Giants' offer to him. According to the article the Giants have no idea if they are in the Maddux hunt or if they will continue to negotiate with Scott Boras for Maddux.
I speculated yesterday the Giants were seeing if they could get Maddux at a low price. It appears they cannot. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1076713350606506672004-02-13T15:02:00.000-08:002004-02-14T09:50:06.983-08:00GIANTS MAKE MADDUX BID: According to today's San Francisco Chronicle the San Francisco Giants have exchanged numbers with Scott Boras in a bid for Greg Maddux. The Giants are seeing if they can get Maddux at a low price. Meanwhile Scott Boras is trying to get Jim Hendry to up the Cubs' offer to Maddux.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1076301861847823312004-02-08T20:44:00.000-08:002004-02-14T09:55:02.903-08:00ADDITIONAL NIGHT GAMES DEAL STRUCK: SCOTTSDALE -- The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with the city of Chicago for more night games at Wrigley Field. The Cubs will go up to twenty-two night games in 2004, twenty-six in 2005, and thirty in 2006. Going to thirty night games at Wrigley Field is going to be a real plus for the Cubs. Our schedule will move us a lot closer to the number of Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1075662505515242682004-02-01T11:08:00.000-08:002004-02-01T11:10:03.733-08:00BORAS THE BORE: Bill Madden has a good column in today's New York Daily News about what an overrated agent Scott Boras is. It is amazing so many of his clients still listen to him after all the blunders he has made. Either Boras is getting contracts for his clients for less than they could have gotten and/or having them wind up with teams they do not want to play for.
Does anyone think Ivan Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1075578542445243732004-01-31T11:49:00.000-08:002004-01-31T11:53:04.653-08:00CUBS-ROOFTOP OWNERS COMPLETE DEAL: The Chicago Cubs and ten of the thirteen rooftop owners have completed an agreement which was agreed to a few weeks ago.
CUBS GM HENDRY ON DL: Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry is on disabled list after a fall at his home which required knee surgery. Let us hope this is not a sign of things to come for the Cubs this season.
DODGERS TALK TO BORAS ABOUT MADDUX:Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1074925748666466622004-01-23T22:29:00.000-08:002004-01-23T22:32:40.013-08:00MARIOTTI'S MISHMASH: Jay Mariotti's column in today's Chicago Sun-Times is one long mishmash column. Mariotti writes about the Cubs, the White Sox, the Kane County Cougars, the White Sox are poorly run, the Billy Goat Curse, Greg Maddux and Ivan Rodriguez's free agent status, the Tribsters are cheap (you just knew Jay could not write a column on the Cubs without throwing that in), and then backThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1074742583239773892004-01-21T19:36:00.000-08:002004-01-21T19:47:19.590-08:00CUBS SIGN BOROWSKI, WOOD, AND LEE: The Chicago Cubs have signed relief pitcher Joe Borowski to a two-year contract. The Cubs have also signed pitcher Kerry Wood and first baseman Derrek Lee to one-year deals. The Cubs hope to sign Wood and Lee to long term deals soon. This is all good news for the Cubs.
CUBS SIGN DEMPSTER: The Chicago Cubs have signed pitcher Ryan Dempster to a Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1074115124859268442004-01-14T13:18:00.000-08:002004-01-16T22:55:11.216-08:00CUBS REACH ROOFTOP DEAL: The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with eleven of the thirteen rooftop owners. The Cubs will get about $2 million a year from the rooftop owners. Good news for the Cubs. The comment that irks me in the Chicago Tribune article is, "It's an amazing deal for the Cubs. They are just handed $2 million for doing nothing." Actually the Cubs are getting paid $2 Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3447607.post-1072314296779831722003-12-24T17:04:00.000-08:002003-12-26T09:56:14.700-08:00MORE ON MARIOTTI: I received a great e-mail from a reader who commented on my post from December 23, 2003 on Jay Mariotti's column. In Jay Mariotti's column from December 23, 2003, Mariotti wrote, "Sometime during the holiday season, I'm thinking Moises Alou owes Bartman a phone call and an apology. If the temperamental left fielder didn't throw a hissy fit when Bartman reached up and knocked Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06390876530762298713noreply@blogger.com